Depression

View 3Ts Video on Depression & Low Mood

It is normal to feel down every now and again. That’s life. However, if a low mood continues for an extended period, or if you are overwhelmed with emptiness & despair that won’t go away, it could be depression.

No matter how hopeless things may seem, the first step to recovery is to understand the problem. This step alone can be the first in a journey back to well-being.

KNOW THE SIGNS

Signs & Symptoms of Depression

Depression varies from person to person but there are some common signs & symptoms to look out for. It is important to recognise these and to seek help. The more symptoms and the longer they’ve lasted, the more likely it is to be depression. Do any of these signs or symptoms sound familiar to you?

Low or sad mood

Loss of interest in daily activities

Change in Appetite or weight changes

Changes in Sleep patterns

Feeling irritable or restless

Lack of energy

Feeling worthless or excessively guilty

Loss of interest in daily activities

Poor concentration

Feeling life is not worth living, thoughts of suicide – Seek help immediately if this is the case

Depression & Suicide

Thoughts of death or suicide are a serious symptom of depression, so take any suicidal talk or behaviour seriously – it’s not only a warning sign that a person is thinking about Suicide, it’s a very serious call for Help.

Depression is a major risk factor for Suicide. For the person suffering the deep despair & hopelessness of a depression, Suicide may feel like the only way to escape the pain. Sufferers often feel loved ones would be better off without them but we know, of course, that this is not the case. Suicide has a devastating effect on families and loved ones left behind.

KNOW THE WORDS

How to approach someone you are concerned about

Make the person aware of your concerns by saying that you’ve noticed the above changes in their behaviour and that you are worried about them.

Talk but listen too

Don’t just talk about mental health

Don’t judge, second guess or try to diagnose

Promise discretion but not secrecy

Ask if they are suicidal

Examples:

I can support you if you need me, even if it’s just to go to the shop or for a walk.

You’re not alone. Loads of people struggle, which means there’s loads of help out there.

This must be really tough to deal with everyday. Is there anything I can do to help you feel better?

Have you had thoughts of suicide?

KNOW YOUR SUPPORTS: Where to go for HELP

Talk to your GP or health professional

If you feel you may be suffering from Depression, talk to your GP or your health professional. It can be difficult to take that first step but pick up the phone and make that appointment because working with your GP is key to recovery. Often, simply talking to your GP or health professional can help; they may advise you on lifestyle changes or may prescribe medication or other therapies.

Follow Advice & Treatment Programme

Taking that first step to see your GP can sometimes be so hard that we expect immediate results. However, therapies such as medication can take some time to take effect (up to 6 weeks). Counselling & other therapies can also take time, so it’s unrealistic to expect instant results but it is important to remember that the positive effects of treatment will come and will be worth it.

Changes in Lifestyle

Whatever your treatment programme, some simple changes to lifestyle can have a beneficial effect on mood:

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Avoid Alcohol & Drugs

Get Active

Get enough Sleep

Access Support Services

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Keep helpline numbers handy. Consider attending an Aware support group. Talking through your concerns with someone who understands can be very reassuring and can help in learning new coping skills. It’s good to know you are not alone, that other people have felt the same but have got through.

3Ts Self Help Booklet on Depression is free to download here and contains valuable information for anyone concerned about depression, introducing self help techniques & coping strategies which can be used to take the first steps to recovery as well as sign-posting to professional help. The booklet is a valuable resource for anyone who is feeling low or concerned they may be depressed and for anyone concerned for another.